The Law Graduate position offers recent JDs a welcoming place to gain valuable legal skills in a fast-paced, rigorous, and compassionate work environment. MLA announces a full-time law graduate position opening for the Lower Eastern Shore office in Salisbury, MD. This position handles all functions related to casework, from initial intake through representation of clients in all relevant courts and proceedings. Law Graduates may be expected to work on cases or projects with other attorneys, law graduates, law clerks, legal assistants, paralegals, social workers, and students.
DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:
• Screen clients for eligibility and make referrals, as appropriate. Perform administrative duties as needed by the office.
• Conduct preliminary and subsequent interviews with clients.
• Conduct factual investigation and analysis as well as legal research.
• Advise clients of the results of investigation and research and counsel clients regarding their options. Maintain case records for clients in the Legal Server case management system.
• Draft pleadings to include complaints, answers, counter-complaints, memoranda of law, briefs, etc.
• Develop case theory and strategy for the representation of clients.
• Prepare cases and represent clients during negotiations, hearings, trials, appeals, and administrative proceedings.
• Work with various community groups, accept speaking engagements, attend outreaches, and draft outreach materials as assigned by the supervisor.
• Continue professional development and education through attendance at Legal Aid-sponsored training and other programs.
• Perform other duties as assigned within the scope of the position's essential functions.
• Juris Doctorate
• Knowledge of principles of civil law, judicial procedures, and rules of evidence.
• Ability to use a computer, web-based applications, and computer programs such as Office 365, including Word, Outlook, Excel, and PowerPoint.
• Excellent research, critical thinking, writing, and communication skills.
• Self-starter who can juggle multiple priorities and meet regular deadlines in a fast-paced environment while balancing a full workload.
• Ability to provide quality legal advocacy and representation for a low-income, diverse client base.
• Ability to travel locally and regionally in Maryland as needed.
• Knowledge of Westlaw Edge or other legal research software is a plus.
• Prior experience and/or interest in public-interest litigation or non-profit legal services is a plus.
• Spanish language proficiency is desirable.
• Please submit a resume, legal writing sample, and cover letter describing your interest and qualifications with your online application.
• References will be required at the time of the final interview.
• No telephone calls, please. The position will remain open until filled.